LEADING OFF: The Curve have never won an opening-day game on the road, going 0-6. They have lost at Erie on opening day twice (2001 and '09). They have gone 5-1 when opening at home
SAFE AT FIRST: It's not quite Stephen Strasburg, but the Curve will face one of the game's highest-touted pitching prospects tonight. Erie RHP Jacob Turner is the Tigers' No. 1 prospect and No. 21 in the minor leagues, according to Baseball America. He was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2009 draft and received a $4.7 million signing bonus as part of a guaranteed $5.5 million major league contract (up to $7 million if he reaches the majors quickly).
STEALING SECOND: Turner, represented by agent Scott Boras, received the highest signing bonus of any high school pitcher ever. The 19-year-old went 6-5 with a 3.28 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) at two Single-A stops in 2010.
ROUNDING THIRD: Talk about a superb pitching matchup. The Curve will counter with RHP Bryan Morris, the Pirates' No. 6 prospect.
HEADING HOME: Fans expecting to read the Mirrors' annual Inside Pitch preview magazine today will have to wait until the Curve open up at home next week. It will be inserted into the April 14 edition of the Mirror.
